Wilcon Depot set for PBA 3x3 participation

From L-R: Keith Datu, Yutien Andrada, TH Tumalip, PBA 3x3 Tournament Director Joey Guanio, Wilcon Depot 3x3 Head Coach Anton Altamirano, Wilcon Depot Inc. SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Wilcon Depot 3x3 Team Manager Eric Altamirano, Ael Banal, Louie Vigil, Strength and Conditioning Coach Marco Yulo, Wilcon Depot 3x3 Assistant Team Manager Cay Lim, and Physical Therapist Khristian Callao.

The third season of PBA 3x3 will have a new player, as Wilcon Depot is set to join the opening conference set to commence next week.

The country's leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer is taking over the Anton Altamirano-coached side that had been previously been supported by Platinum Karaoke. Their partnership was unveiled on Thursday at The Westin Manila, with Commissioner Willie Marcial and 3x3 Tournament Director Joey Guanio representing the league.

Wilcon Depot Inc. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rosemarie Bosch-Ong says, "We are taking our commitment to another level as we venture into the basketball world. Wilcon Depot's participation in the third season of PBA 3×3 represents our passion for every Filipino homeowner and our dedication to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. This exciting endeavor allows us to further connect with our customers and sports enthusiasts alike."

She adds, "We're proud of this endeavor and we have high hopes that our brand can fare well and compete at a high level in PBA 3x3."

Having won a couple of legs during its previous iteration, the team Wilcon is taking over remains relatively intact for the upcoming campaign.

Leading the team is skipper Yutien Andrada, with Ael Banal and TH Tumalip backstopping him. Keith Datu also returns after after joining the team in Thailand back in March, as the former J&T Express baller prepares for the upcoming PBA Draft.

Joining the team is Louie Vigil, who was previously with San Miguel.

Altamirano shares about their new partnership, "We're grateful for this opportunity and we have our full trust that the players we have can represent Wilcon Depot well in the 3x3 stage." Complementing him are assistant coach Matthew Sia and strength and conditioning coach Marco Yulo. Outfitting the side is MNL Kingpin.

Wilcon Depot 3x3 will make its debut in the first leg of PBA 3x3 this coming July 3 and 4 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

La Salle, UP face off for Filoil Preseason title

DLSU vs UP

Games Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

2 p.m. - Battle for 3rd: Perpetual vs. National University
3:45 p.m. - Hanes 1-on-1 King of the Hardcourt Finals: Mapua’s Khem Sabsalon vs. EAC’s Ruzzel Dominguez
4 p.m. - Final: La Salle vs. UP

The much anticipated return match has finally been formalized, and it is for the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup championship.

De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines will tangle in the final at 4pm, after taking care of business earlier this week.

The Green Archers remained undefeated so far with eleven straight victories, including a 90-83 win against these Fighting Maroons during the eliminations. Anchoring their success has been recent senior national team callups Michael Phillips and Kevin Quiambao, as well as backcourt spitfires Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy.

Head coach Topex Robinson, however, highlights this rematch with an eye towards the upcoming 86th season of the UAAP. He says, "They're one of the barometers of the UAAP and we're glad to see where we're at against the cream of the crop of the UAAP."

Even with the hype and attention gazed towards them, the side of Goldwin Monteverde remains focused on the task at hand with internal development. He says, "From the very start, ang pinaka-main goal namin is whatever we could learn. So getting to the championship, malaking learning yun and big confidence-builder lalo na sa young guys namin."

Hoping to lead the way for the Fighting Maroons in avenging the defeat are Season 85 Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf, JD Cagulangan, and CJ Cansino.

Opening things up is the third place matchup between dethroned champions National University and the lone surviving NCAA team in University of Perpetual Help System Dalta at 2pm.

In between the two games is the Hanes 1-on-1 King of the Hardcourt final between a couple of NCAA ballers in Khem Sabsalon of Mapua and Ruzzel Dominguez of EAC. The duel takes place at 345pm.

The 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup is supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.

adidas makes its maiden Philippine Women’s National Team kits available through reservation

Laban Filipinas

The long wait is almost over.

With fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup, one that includes the Philippines for the very first time, adidas is set to make available the team kit of the Philippines Senior Women's National Team.

First revealed back in mid-May, reservations for the three kit colorways are now officially available by registering at filipinasjerseyreservation.com. Upon checking the site, one can just fill the information needed before making the reservation.

adidas also has entered into a partnership with BOOTCAMP for those based overseas and are interested in purchasing the kits. Details regarding how one can avail of the kits through them will be made known soon on their platforms.

Senior Women's National Team Manager Jefferson Cheng shares, "We are thrilled to introduce our association with adidas as we have our Filipinas take on the Women’s World Cup for the first time, and we feel the same excitement in seeing the adidas’ Filipinas kit come to life. As the Philippine national women’s football team and adidas become one with the mantra of Impossible Is Nothing, we will always be proud of and be in full support towards the Filipinas as they continue to grow and serve as inspirations to the Filipino football scene."

adidas Philippines General Manager Anthony Frangos adds, "At adidas, we live and breathe by the mantra of Impossible is Nothing, and the Filipinas are the group that best embodies this mindset. The Filipinas FIFA Women’s World Cup kits were designed by adidas with their rich journey in mind, and we hope this serves not just as an inspiration to the Filipino community as they rally behind our Filipinas, but also to the team itself as they take on the global stage for the Women’s World Cup."

For those who have yet to see the kits, adidas designed three colorways that are chock full of tributes to our homeland, one that would honor the growth of the Filipinas and serve as an inspiration for future Filipino footballers regardless of gender.

The home kit is in blue or Bughaw and is dubbed as "Sipag at Tiyaga." It is adorned with the adidas’ iconic three stripes across the pieces, with its collar striped in red and white. This colorway represents the calm perseverance of our Filipinas throughout their road to the Women’s World Cup, and their journey of tackling obstacles with sportsmanship. It also serves to symbolize inspiration for the new wave of Filipino footballers, especially those striving to represent the country with pride.

The away kit is in white or Puti and is dubbed as "Ang Bagong Yugto." It comes with three blue stripes and a collar decked in white and yellow. It symbolizes the Filipinas’ fresh and determined start as they take on the Women’s World Cup for the first time and elevate the sport to new heights among the Filipino community and paving the way for a new era of football. The vibrant patterns also align with the dynamic mix of players within the team, composed of diverse members who come together united for a common goal.

The third kit comes in red or Pula and is dubbed as, "Alab Ng Puso." Loud and bold, it also comes with the brand’s three stripes and a matching pair of blue and white for the collar. This colorway is a suitable parallel to the Filipinas’ fiery passion and unbridled courage as they compete for the country, regardless of the odds, with an unwavering work ethic.

All three colorways are made with adidas AEROREADY, managing moisture while providing comfort; 100% recycled polyester Interlock that gives the gear a hydrophilic finish; and mesh inserts placed on the sleeves and shoulders for breathability. It utilizes a short-sleeve cut and a sublimated front panel print, as well as a ribbed round neckline and cuff. adidas's iconic three stripes are seen across the kits’ shoulder area, next to an embroidered adidas Badge of Sport logo and the Philippine Football Federation’s logo.

Completing the badges on the kits is the Philippine flag located across the left shoulder and the waistband, and the sun symbol at the back of each jersey.

Expect the Filipinas to also use the kits on their upcoming competitions later this year.

Aside from the kits, adidas also has produced hyperlocal merchandise that has the new Filipinas seal, which they also designed. The new logo is derived from the sampaguita and sports the four colors of the flag: yellow, red, white, and blue.

These items, ranging from a hoodie, sweatshirt, t-shirts, and a cap, are already available at the six major adidas outlets: the Brand Center in Glorietta, Two Parkade at BGC, Trinoma, Uptown Mall, Ayala Bay, and the Venice Grand Canal Mall.

Tiaong set to emerge as the next sporting hub

For the municipality of Tiaong, Quezon, the D2 Super Cup is the next step in its quest to build itself as a key sporting cog for the province.

Already basking in the glow of Batang Tiaong's achievements in the recently-concluded NBTC, highlighted by their 64-41 thrashing of Ateneo in the Super 24, having the PSL-organized D2 Super Cup at its Tiaong Convention Center aims to solidify that foundation.

In fact, the local government, led by its Mayor RJ Mea expects it to be a recurring event. He shares to the media, "Ito pong liga natin ngayon ay hindi magiging first time lang. Mauulit po ito. At hindi lang po sports ang plano natin kundi pati ang promotion ng tourist spots at makakuha ng investors para lalong makilala ang bayan ng Tiaong."

Second district of Quezon Province Representative Jayjay Suarez adds, "Naniniwala po ako na this will be start of a lot more big events, it may not be in sports, but with (the) convention center, makakapagbigay ng opportunity sa ating mga bata sa second district."

Tiaong has a representative in the touranment, called the Tiaong MEAksyon and bannered by the core of student-athletes from Mapua in the NCAA. The squad won its opening game on Friday, defeating Gumaca, 70-58, with Kobe Dalisay scoring seventeen points.

Aside from the D2 Super Cup, the four thousand-seater Convention Center and its backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountain range is set to host a PBA on Tour event on June 10, where the Meralco Bolts and the San Miguel Beermen will tangle at 5pm.

The LGU is also looking to build additional facilities around the TCC, including hotels and restaurants, to help cultivate not only the growth of Tiaong's sports program, but also its economy through tourism. It also would help cement the second district of Quezon's ambitious plans of becoming a bigger figure in the sporting map both regionally and nationally.

As exciting as the upstart tourney is, there’s more to it than just mere games and competition as Tiaong eyes to make it an annual event to steady the growth of its sports program and promote its rich history, culture, tourism and economy at the same time.

Siomai King, Tiaong impress in D2 Super Cup opener

Encho Serrano layup for Siomai King

The Pilipinas Super League-backed D2 Super Cup in Quezon Province kicked off on Friday, with Siomai King and Tiaong MEAksyon securing the victories in the doubleheader held at the Tiaong Convention Center.

With league officials, as well as local government leaders in attendance, the two games saw contrasting outcomes, with Siomai King dispatching Antipolo San Luis Pilgrims, 119-76, followed by Tiaong defeating Gumaca Kuyas, 70-58.

Siomai King proved its mettle and depth against the Pilgrims, with all but one player getting between eleven and eighteen minutes of action. They opened with a 35-17 lead after one quarter of action, then totally broke the game open with a 33-15 third period. Stacked with players with loads of experience both in the collegiate and professional levels, Siomai King would establish a lead as large as 44 points.

Encho Serrano provided MPBL fans with a preview of what's to come with an efficient nineteen-point performance in just over fifteen and a half minutes of action. Last year's 19th overall selection in the PBA Draft is set to join an already solid Pampanga side that is yet to lose this season. PSL officials did manage to secure the team's blessing to allow Serrano participate in this week-long tournament, which offers PhP 2M to the champion.

Providing support for Serrano is his former DLSU teammate Kurt Lojera, who netted thirteen points, four rebounds, five assists, and a couple of blocks. Also producing thirteen markers are former FEU FSA Emmanuel Ojuola and Leo Najorda, with Casper Pericas and Peejay Barua also entering double figures.

In the latter game of the doubleheader, Tiaong, which is represented by student-athletes from the Mapua Cardinals, used a 29-14 third quarter outburst to fend off Gumaca.

The Kuyas hung tough in the first half, trailing 16-12 in the opening period, and managed to halve that deficit with a 16-14 second quarter. Even with them outscoring Tiaong, 16-11, in the final period, the third period doomed their performance.

Kobe Dalisay led MEAksyon with seventeen points, three rebounds, an assist, and a couple of steals. Clint Escamis padded the stat sheet with eleven points, three rebounds, a couple of assists, a steal, and a couple of blocks.

D2 Super Cup gets going in Tiaong

Second district of Quezon Province Representative Jayjay Suarez between Siomai King and Antipolo

The Tiaong Convention Center served as host to its first major tournament on Friday, with the start of the D2 Super Cup Invitational tournament.

The week-long event was graced by the major political elements in the region, led by the second district representative of Quezon province in David "Jay-jay" Suarez and Tiaong mayor RJ Mea.

"Pangarap po namin na magkaroon ng malaking liga sa second district as we wanted to bring our hometown to the map of big sporting events, lalo na dito sa natapos nating Tiaong Convention Center," Suarez shares, acknowledging his long desire to have major competitions take place in his district

He also thanked the Pilipinas Super League and its leadership, led by president Rocky Chan, vice president Ray Ilao, and league commissioner Leo Isaac.

Fourteen teams are earmarked to participate, led by the hosts Tiaong MEAksyon. Nearby municipalities Candelaria, Gumaca, Sariaya and San Antonio are also set to play. Also set to join are AMA University, Antipolo Pilgrims, Berbets Engineering Services, Manila City Stars, MFT Fruitmasters, RV Sports Wildcats, Siomai King and Zamboanga Valientes.

Kuala Lumpur Aseel, champions of the Sportsclick AsiaBasket International Championship back in April, completes the field.

With this cast, Suarez beamed with delight. "Nakakatuwa at nakakataba po ng puso na maraming teams na sumali. This just goes to show na iyong pangarap natin na maisama ang distrito at mga bayan namin sa sports calendar, na-achieve natin," he says.

Also lending their name to the D2 Super Cup are Converge and the Alona party-list group of Representative Anna Villaraza-Suarez,

PhP 2M awaits the winner.

Far East United impress in TST debut

Far East United

Far East United impressed on the opening day of the $1M winner-take-all The Soccer Tournament on Thursday at the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

The side assembled by Anton del Rosario defeated West Ham, 4-2, capped by a Target Score goal from Bienve Maranon.

With both teams being held scoreless after the break, Far East United opened the scoring with a Jason Cunliffe assist to Tyler John, who then blasted it to the net seven minutes after the reset.

The lead doubled three minutes later, with Cunliffe figuring into another scoring opportunity, playing a two-man game with Felipe Souza as the latter received the former Guam international's pass and hitting it into the back of the net.

The third goal came in the subsequent minute thanks to a Safee Sali masterclass, as the Malaysian legend decided to beat his man one-on-one, drew three more defenders towards him and then poked the ball past the keeper.

The Hammers did pull one back before the end of the second half, with Marlon Harewood converted a goal off a free kick set up by a Masaki Watanabe foul.

They would then secure another goal during Target Score, an untimed period where the leading team needs to score one goal to finish the match. Harewood raced down the the right flank, then sent a cross towards Kyle Reid to score.

Far East United did manage to finish things off eventually. With the matchup reduced to a 5v5 affair, Alex Caceres found Bienve Marañon, who twisted the Hammers defense to fire home the clincher.

In assessing the match, head coach Matthew Holland says, "Fantastic start to the tournament regardless of the opponent. To beat West Ham with so many top players is a life moment for the boys. The togetherness we built over the past week came through even with players drip-feeding in. We have no alpha player. We just connect. We worked together in this match and managed all the situations."

Team manager Ethan Lee adds, "It’s a big win and it gives us confidence. It puts us a step closer to advancing to the next round."

Up next for the AIA-backed side is Culture by Mo Ali FC early Saturday morning. The squad organized by conditioning coach and social media influencer Mo Ali is fresh from a 3-1 winner over Dallas United in their opener.